Now Palace are up, can they deal with big boys like Van Persie, Bale and Suarez?

The problem Ian Holloway faces is that his best player, Wilfried Zaha, is joining Manchester United, his star striker Glenn Murray could be out until Christmas with a knee injury and the man who scored the winner yesterday, Kevin Phillips, is almost 40. The squad will need new faces.

The first thing I’d do if I was Holloway is speak to David Moyes and see if there is any chance of Zaha returning on loan for the season. He has such strength and speed and is a nightmare for defenders to mark. Just when you think you are getting to the ball ahead of him, you aren’t.

Players like him give you hope you can win matches, that something exciting can happen. Sometimes I’m not sure he knows what he’s doing when he gets the ball and so maybe Moyes will be keen to teach him the United way as soon as possible. But it’s worth asking.

Super Eagles: Crystal Palace are back in the Premier League after a seven-year absence

Glenn Murray's 31 goals show that he could blossom like Southampton’s Rickie Lambert or Norwich’s Grant Holt in the top flight. But a goalscorer will need to be found in the short term.

However, that should not lead to Holloway jettisoning Kevin Phillips. Palace should keep him.

Phillips is a bit like Teddy Sheringham — a lack of pace at the end of his career doesn’t really matter. It’s worth having his experience in the squad and the striker deserves a reward after years of play-off heartache.

Just look at what preceded Sunday’s Wembley joy: 1998: Scored to put Sunderland 2-1 up against Charlton in a thrilling game that finished 4-4 after extra time — but had been subbed by the time Sunderland lost 7-6 on penalties.

Spot on: Kevin Phillips stepped up to blast home the penalty and send Palace into rapture

2007: His three goals in the semi-finals took West Bromwich Albion to Wembley — but Derby’s defenders blotted him out in the final and Albion lost by the only goal.

2011: Started for Blackpool against West Ham but Ricardo Vaz Te’s 87th-minute goal gave the Hammers a barely deserved 2-1 win.

Palace now face dilemmas. First, do they guard their money, spend it on developing Selhurst Park and safeguard the club’s future or do they buy lots of players and gamble on staying up? Spending too much too soon is risky.

Holloway must also decide whether to commit to the open football that won so many admirers at Blackpool. They can’t concede as many goals as that team but Holloway will want to play attractively.

Up the Eagles: Crystal Palace supporters pose within Wembley

Holloway will rest easy with his goalkeeper. Julian Speroni has long been one of Palace’s most consistent performers, he’s played in the Premier League and he was one of the best players on the pitch yesterday. In front of him, the back four looked solid.

Danny Gabbidon has played well at times this season but struggled to get in the West Ham and QPR teams in the Premier League. It’s a big step up in class when you are faced with Luis Suarez, Robin van Persie and Gareth Bale.

I imagine players will be added at the back but these four will get their chance to impress.

Mix it with the big boys: Luis Suarez (left) and Robin van Persie (right) will take on Palace next season

In central midfield, Palace need a bit more pace. Mile Jedinak was impressive and Stuart O’Keefe was confident but you need your midfielders to be mobile in the Premier League.

Palace have two other flair players who can have a top-flight impact. Yannick Bolasie was unlucky to be on the bench yesterday while Jonathan Williams has been watched by other clubs and is a clever player with good vision.